Hart tribute shines light of appreciation following passing of youth theater mentor

Jim Hart was a beloved director, teacher, husband, and father. Even after his unfortunate passing, his spirit lives on through the lives of the many kids he dedicated his life to teaching, thus impacting their lives for the better. A tribute to his life and impact was showcased at The Grand Opera House on April 7, where a wide variety of his students and loved ones came to support him and his family. 

Hart started theater in high school, where he taught and directed a variety of different shows. This love for theater then brought him to start Jubricosa, a theater for young people, in 2006. The tribute was organized as a way for past students and loved ones to recognize and remember him. Hart passed away on January 12, 2023 following a paralyzing fall endured in November, 2020.

“The show was so fun to watch; I enjoyed watching all of the musicals Mr. Hart loved,” one audience member said. “It included songs from 10 shows that he loved.” 

The audience enjoyed songs from South Pacific, Oklahoma, Guys & Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Music Man, Do Back Patent Shoes Really Reflect Up, and The Witness. For each musical they did three songs and the performers played various roles. Some of the songs featured video recordings of Hart singing. 

Many people performed in his honor, including his children, students, coworkers, friends, and others. Throughout the show, the performers gave speeches about their experiences with Hart and how much he impacted them. His youngest daughter, Sam Raspel, spoke for the large majority of students impacted by Hart’s teaching. 

“Many of his students have chosen careers like acting, teaching, and singing because of him,” she said. “Many of them looked to him as a father figure in their life, and now I have this amazing theater family today.”

A performer and close friend of Hart, Molly Schlaak, will always treasure her experiences.

“He was my mentor, my teacher, then became my coworker, and just really helped shape me into the person I am,” she said. “I met him in 2005, and I've probably done over 25 shows with him. He’s always been a big supporter and overall big person in my life. That is why I wanted to perform and honor him.” 

Many people shared similar relationships through Hart, such as community member Laurie Hadel.

“My daughter met a lot of new friends through Jubricosa and she still has those friends today,” she said.

Sophomore Julia Skinner was also impacted by Hart’s teaching from a young age.

”He taught me everything I know about acting,” she said. 

Spencer Hadel, another audience member, appreciated Hart’s welcoming personality and teaching styles.

”My whole family did theater with Mr. Hart, and they all helped out with shows,” he said. “He was just a warm person to be around.”

Many performed alongside Hart throughout his career, all of whom appreciated his work and felt his tribute was perfectly suited to the man.

 “I was in so many shows alongside Mr. Hart; I probably did around 15 shows with him as my director,” an anonymous audience member said. “He was always a great person in my life and helped me learn the ropes of theater, while still having fun. His tribute was amazing, and I'm so glad they did it for him.”

By Tenna Ruetten

April 24 2023

Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue VII